History

Definition: move·ment

– [moov-muh nt] noun a series of organized activities working toward an objective; also : an organized effort to promote or attain an end result

HISTORY

Idle No More began with four women; Nina Wilson, Sheelah Mclean, Sylvia McAdam and Jessica Gordon. The shared a vision of bringing together all people to ensure we create ways of protecting Mother Earth, her lands, waters and people. The women began discussing the possible impacts that some of the legislation would carry if people do not do something. It became very evident that the women MUST do something about the colonial, unilateral and paternalistic legislation being pushed through the Government of Canada’s parliamentary system. They began with a piece of legislation called Bill C-45 which attacked the land base reserved for Indigenous people.

The women decided that they would call a rally to inform the public that this bill intended to, without consent give the minister of indian affairs power to surrender the lands reserved. They felt that this would ultimately make room for oil, nuclear and gas industries to tear up the land for profit. From this rally they also informed the public on other legislation that affected and ignored the treaties made with the crown but also the waters, land and people that it would impact in very harmful ways.

The women then helped other communities to coordinate efforts to hold similar rallies with the same goal in mind – Stand up and speak up against undemocratic and internationally illegal government acts. These rallies took place all across the country.